Patent US2959647A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
Patent US5163955A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5163955A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Rapid assembly, concentric mating stent, tissue heart valve with enhanced clamping and tissue alignment
Assignee: PFG AUTOGENICS INVESTMENTS LLC
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Filing: 1991-01-24
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Granted: 1992-11-17
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Expires: 2011-01-24
Abstract
Abstract A concentric mating stent tissue heart valve which is capable of being assembled with a variety of tissue sources is provided. A plurality of prefabricated kits are also provided which enable the valve to be assembled with autogenous tissue in the limited time, i.e., 10 minutes or less, available in the operating room. The inner stent can be configured with a plurality of tissue alignment members extending outward from the inner stent to corresponding holes cut in the tissue. The outer stent can be configured with posts adapted for nesting with corresponding inner stent posts, and integrated with self-adjusting tensioning means, to exert a substantially uniform clamping force on the tissue sufficient to secure the tissue between the stents.
Inventors
- 👤 Charles S. Love
- 👤 Jack W. Love
- 👤 John H. Calvin
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-22 23:38
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/24; A61F2/2412; A61F2/2418; A61F2/2415; A61F2/2472; A61F2/2496; A61F2220/00; A61F2220/0008; A61F2220/0016; A61F2220/0025; A61F2220/005; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S623/00; Y10S623/90; Y10S623/901; Y10S623/909; Y10S623/91; Y10S623/912; Y10S623/913; Y10S623/915; Y10S623/918; Y10T; Y10T137/00; Y10T137/7722; Y10T137/7837; Y10T137/7854; Y10T137/7857; Y10T29/00; Y10T29/49; Y10T29/49405
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 53
Claim 1
Independent Claim
121 words
A heart valve, comprising: a first stent, and a second stent, wherein one of said first and second stents is configured with a plurality of tissue alignment members extending from a surface thereon and not engaging the other of said first and second stents; at least one piece of tissue situated between said first and second stents and having a plurality of holes registered with corresponding of said tissue alignment members, the holes and alignment numbers being configured such that said tissue, when registered with said members, forms valve leaflets of approximately uniform size; and tensioning means adapted to induce the first and second stents to clamp said tissue between said stents and securely hold it in place between said stents.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
121 words
A heart valve, comprising: a first stent, and a second stent, wherein one of said first and second stents is configured with a plurality of tissue alignment members extending from a surface thereon and not engaging the other of said first and second stents; at least one piece of tissue situated between said first and second stents and having a plurality of holes registered with corresponding of said tissue alignment members, the holes and alignment numbers being configured such that said tissue, when registered with said members, forms valve leaflets of approximately uniform size; and tensioning means adapted to induce the first and second stents to clamp said tissue between said stents and securely hold it in place between said stents.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
145 words
A heart valve, comprising: a first stent, and a second stent, wherein one of said first and second stents is configured with a plurality of tissue alignment members extending from a surface thereon, all the tissue alignment members configured on said stent having a body portion and a securing portion, with the securing portion permanently affixed to and extending radially outward from the body portion on each; at least one piece of tissue situated between said first and second stents and having a plurality of holes registered with corresponding ones of said tissue alignment members, the holes and alignment members being configured such that said tissue, when registered with said members, forms valve leaflets of approximately uniform size; and tensioning means adapted to induce the first and second stents to clamp said tissue between said stents and securely hold it in place between said stents.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
145 words
A heart valve, comprising: a first stent, and a second stent, wherein one of said first and second stents is configured with a plurality of tissue alignment members extending from a surface thereon, all the tissue alignment members configured on said stent having a body portion and a securing portion, with the securing portion permanently affixed to and extending radially outward from the body portion on each; at least one piece of tissue situated between said first and second stents and having a plurality of holes registered with corresponding ones of said tissue alignment members, the holes and alignment members being configured such that said tissue, when registered with said members, forms valve leaflets of approximately uniform size; and tensioning means adapted to induce the first and second stents to clamp said tissue between said stents and securely hold it in place between said stents.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
141 words
A heart valve, comprising: a first stent, and a second stent, wherein one of said first and second stents is configured with a plurality of tissue alignment members extending from a surface thereon; at least one piece of tissue situated between said first and second stents and having a plurality of holes registered with corresponding ones of said tissue alignment members, the holes and alignment members being configured such that said tissue, when registered with said members, forms valve leaflets of approximately uniform size; and tensioning means adapted to induce the first and second stents to clamp said piece of tissue between said stents and securely hold it in place between said stents; wherein said stents and said tensioning means are configured to avoid creation of a significant number of mechanical fixation points where stress can concentrate in the assembled valve.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
141 words
A heart valve, comprising: a first stent, and a second stent, wherein one of said first and second stents is configured with a plurality of tissue alignment members extending from a surface thereon; at least one piece of tissue situated between said first and second stents and having a plurality of holes registered with corresponding ones of said tissue alignment members, the holes and alignment members being configured such that said tissue, when registered with said members, forms valve leaflets of approximately uniform size; and tensioning means adapted to induce the first and second stents to clamp said piece of tissue between said stents and securely hold it in place between said stents; wherein said stents and said tensioning means are configured to avoid creation of a significant number of mechanical fixation points where stress can concentrate in the assembled valve.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
178 words
A heart valve, comprising: a first stent, and a second stent, when one of said first and second stents is configured with a plurality of tissue alignment members extending from a surface thereon; at least one piece of tissue situated between said first and second stents and having a plurality of holes registered with corresponding ones of said tissue alignment members, the holes and alignment members being configured such that such tissue, when registered with said members, forms valve leaflets of approximately uniform size; and tensioning means adapted to induce the first and second stents to clamp said tissue between said stents and securely hold it in place between said stents; wherein said stents and said tensioning means are configured such that all portions of said tissue situated between said stents are securely held in place between said stents by clamping without significant reliance on said tissue alignment members, such that said tissue alignment members do not play a significant role in securely holding any portion of the tissue in place between said stents in the assembled valve.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
178 words
A heart valve, comprising: a first stent, and a second stent, when one of said first and second stents is configured with a plurality of tissue alignment members extending from a surface thereon; at least one piece of tissue situated between said first and second stents and having a plurality of holes registered with corresponding ones of said tissue alignment members, the holes and alignment members being configured such that such tissue, when registered with said members, forms valve leaflets of approximately uniform size; and tensioning means adapted to induce the first and second stents to clamp said tissue between said stents and securely hold it in place between said stents; wherein said stents and said tensioning means are configured such that all portions of said tissue situated between said stents are securely held in place between said stents by clamping without significant reliance on said tissue alignment members, such that said tissue alignment members do not play a significant role in securely holding any portion of the tissue in place between said stents in the assembled valve.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
159 words
A heart valve, comprising: a first stent, and a second stent, wherein one of said first and second stents has a base and a plurality of posts extending therefrom and spaced around the base, with said one stent being configured with a plurality of tissue alignment members, and with all the tissue alignment members configured on said stent extending from a surface of said posts; at least one piece of tissue situated between said first and second stents and having a plurality of holes registered with corresponding ones of said tissue alignment members, the holes and alignment members being configured such that said tissue, when registered with said members, forms valve leaflets of approximately uniform size, said tissue having a thickness; and self-adjusting tensioning means adapted to induce the first and second stents to clamp said tissue between said stents, while adjusting for variations in the thickness of said tissue, and securely hold it in place between said stents.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
159 words
A heart valve, comprising: a first stent, and a second stent, wherein one of said first and second stents has a base and a plurality of posts extending therefrom and spaced around the base, with said one stent being configured with a plurality of tissue alignment members, and with all the tissue alignment members configured on said stent extending from a surface of said posts; at least one piece of tissue situated between said first and second stents and having a plurality of holes registered with corresponding ones of said tissue alignment members, the holes and alignment members being configured such that said tissue, when registered with said members, forms valve leaflets of approximately uniform size, said tissue having a thickness; and self-adjusting tensioning means adapted to induce the first and second stents to clamp said tissue between said stents, while adjusting for variations in the thickness of said tissue, and securely hold it in place between said stents.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
174 words
A heart valve, comprising: a first stent, and a second stent, wherein one of said first and second stents is configured with a plurality of tissue alignment members extending along a first path from a surface thereon, at least one of said members comprising a body portion and a head portion, said head portion extending at least partly outward along a second path different from said first path from a surface of said body portion; at least one piece of tissue situated between said first and second stents and having a plurality of holes registered with corresponding ones of said tissue alignment members, wherein said head portion of said at least one tissue alignment member prevents substantial slippage of said tissue during valve assembly, the holes and alignment members being configured such that said tissue, when registered with said members, forms valve leaflets of approximately uniform size; and tensioning means adapted to induce the first and second stents to clamp said tissue between said stents and securely hold it in place between said stents.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
174 words
A heart valve, comprising: a first stent, and a second stent, wherein one of said first and second stents is configured with a plurality of tissue alignment members extending along a first path from a surface thereon, at least one of said members comprising a body portion and a head portion, said head portion extending at least partly outward along a second path different from said first path from a surface of said body portion; at least one piece of tissue situated between said first and second stents and having a plurality of holes registered with corresponding ones of said tissue alignment members, wherein said head portion of said at least one tissue alignment member prevents substantial slippage of said tissue during valve assembly, the holes and alignment members being configured such that said tissue, when registered with said members, forms valve leaflets of approximately uniform size; and tensioning means adapted to induce the first and second stents to clamp said tissue between said stents and securely hold it in place between said stents.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
20 words
The heart valve of claim 6 wherein said head portion of said at least one tissue alignment member is mushroom-shaped.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
20 words
The heart valve of claim 6 wherein said head portion of said at least one tissue alignment member is hook-shaped.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
193 words
A heart valve, comprising: a first stent, and a second stent, wherein one of said first and second stents is configured with a plurality of tissue alignment members extending from a surface thereon; at least one piece of tissue situated between said first and second stents and having a plurality of holes registered with corresponding ones of said tissue alignment members, the holes and alignment members being configured such that said tissue, when registered with said members, forms valve leaflets of approximately uniform size; wherein each of said first and second stents has a base with a plurality of spaced posts extending therefrom along an axis of the valve, with the posts of one stent adapted to be capable of extending at least partly into corresponding indentations in the posts of the other stent but which are prevented from doing so completely by said tissue situated between said stents, such that at least a portion of said tissue is clamped by and between said posts; and tensioning means adapted to induce the first and second stents to further clamp said tissue between said stents and securely hold it in place between said stents.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
193 words
A heart valve, comprising: a first stent, and a second stent, wherein one of said first and second stents is configured with a plurality of tissue alignment members extending from a surface thereon; at least one piece of tissue situated between said first and second stents and having a plurality of holes registered with corresponding ones of said tissue alignment members, the holes and alignment members being configured such that said tissue, when registered with said members, forms valve leaflets of approximately uniform size; wherein each of said first and second stents has a base with a plurality of spaced posts extending therefrom along an axis of the valve, with the posts of one stent adapted to be capable of extending at least partly into corresponding indentations in the posts of the other stent but which are prevented from doing so completely by said tissue situated between said stents, such that at least a portion of said tissue is clamped by and between said posts; and tensioning means adapted to induce the first and second stents to further clamp said tissue between said stents and securely hold it in place between said stents.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
20 words
The valve of claim 9 wherein said indentations are formed with cloth-covered windows in the posts of said other stents.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
192 words
A heart valve, comprising: a first stent, and a second stent, wherein one of said first and second stents is configured with a plurality of tissue alignment members extending from a surface thereon; at least one piece of tissue situated between said first and second stents and having a plurality of holes registered with corresponding ones of said tissue alignment members, the holes and alignment members being configured such that said tissue, when registered with said members, forms valve leaflets of approximately uniform size; tensioning means adapted to induce the first and second stents to clamp said tissue between said stents and securely hold it in place between said stents; and wherein each of said first and second stents has a base with a plurality of spaced posts extending therefrom along an axis of the valve, with the posts of one stent adapted to normally extend at least partly towards the posts of the other stent independently of said tensioning means but which are prevented from doing so completely by said tissue situated between said stents, such that at least a portion of said tissue is clamped by and between said posts.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
192 words
A heart valve, comprising: a first stent, and a second stent, wherein one of said first and second stents is configured with a plurality of tissue alignment members extending from a surface thereon; at least one piece of tissue situated between said first and second stents and having a plurality of holes registered with corresponding ones of said tissue alignment members, the holes and alignment members being configured such that said tissue, when registered with said members, forms valve leaflets of approximately uniform size; tensioning means adapted to induce the first and second stents to clamp said tissue between said stents and securely hold it in place between said stents; and wherein each of said first and second stents has a base with a plurality of spaced posts extending therefrom along an axis of the valve, with the posts of one stent adapted to normally extend at least partly towards the posts of the other stent independently of said tensioning means but which are prevented from doing so completely by said tissue situated between said stents, such that at least a portion of said tissue is clamped by and between said posts.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
112 words
A heart valve, comprising: a first stent, and a second stent, wherein one of said first and second stents is configured with a plurality of tissue alignment members extending from a surface thereon; at least one piece of autogenous tissue situated between said first and second stents and having a plurality of holes registered with corresponding ones of said tissue alignment members, the holes and alignment members being configured such that said tissue, when registered with said members, forms valve leaflets of approximately uniform size; and tensioning means adapted to induce the first and second stents to clamp said tissue between said stents and securely hold it in place between said stents.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
112 words
A heart valve, comprising: a first stent, and a second stent, wherein one of said first and second stents is configured with a plurality of tissue alignment members extending from a surface thereon; at least one piece of autogenous tissue situated between said first and second stents and having a plurality of holes registered with corresponding ones of said tissue alignment members, the holes and alignment members being configured such that said tissue, when registered with said members, forms valve leaflets of approximately uniform size; and tensioning means adapted to induce the first and second stents to clamp said tissue between said stents and securely hold it in place between said stents.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
17 words
The valve of claim 12 wherein said at least one piece of autogenous tissue is freshly harvested.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
16 words
The valve of claim 12 wherein said at least one piece of tissue is chemically treated.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
138 words
A heart valve, comprising; a first stent, and a second stent, wherein one of said first and second stents is configured with a plurality of tissue alignment members extending from a surface thereon; at least one piece of tissue situated between said first and second stents and having a plurality of holes registered with corresponding ones of said tissue alignment members, the holes and alignment members being configured such that said tissue, when registered with said members, forms valve leaflets of approximately uniform size; tensioning means adapted to induce the first and second stents to clamp said tissue between said stents and securely hold it in place between said stents; a sewing ring; and a covering for integrating the sewing ring with one of said first and second stents by covering and forming a closed surface over both.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
138 words
A heart valve, comprising; a first stent, and a second stent, wherein one of said first and second stents is configured with a plurality of tissue alignment members extending from a surface thereon; at least one piece of tissue situated between said first and second stents and having a plurality of holes registered with corresponding ones of said tissue alignment members, the holes and alignment members being configured such that said tissue, when registered with said members, forms valve leaflets of approximately uniform size; tensioning means adapted to induce the first and second stents to clamp said tissue between said stents and securely hold it in place between said stents; a sewing ring; and a covering for integrating the sewing ring with one of said first and second stents by covering and forming a closed surface over both.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
37 words
The valve of claim 15 wherein said tensioning means is integrated with said sewing ring and said one of said first and second stents by covering and forming a closed surface over the same with said covering.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
102 words
A method of assembling a heart valve, comprising: providing a first stent and a second stent; configuring one of said first and second stents with a plurality of tissue alignment members; extending the tissue alignment members from a surface of said one stent, and not engaging the other of said first and second stents after formation of the members; configuring at least one piece of tissue with a plurality of holes; registering said holes with corresponding ones of said tissue alignment members; and inducing the first and second stents to clamp said tissue between said stents and securely hold it in place.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
102 words
A method of assembling a heart valve, comprising: providing a first stent and a second stent; configuring one of said first and second stents with a plurality of tissue alignment members; extending the tissue alignment members from a surface of said one stent, and not engaging the other of said first and second stents after formation of the members; configuring at least one piece of tissue with a plurality of holes; registering said holes with corresponding ones of said tissue alignment members; and inducing the first and second stents to clamp said tissue between said stents and securely hold it in place.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
145 words
A method of assembling a heart valve, comprising: providing a first stent and a second stent; configuring one of said first and second stents with a plurality of tissue alignment members; extending the tissue alignment members from a surface of said one stent; configuring all the tissue alignment members configured on said one stent to have a body portion and a corresponding securing portion; permanently affixing the securing portion of all of said tissue alignment members configured on said one stent to the corresponding body portion; extending the securing portions of said tissue alignment members radially outward from the corresponding body portions; configuring at least one piece of tissue with a plurality of holes; registering said holes with corresponding ones of said tissue alignment members; and inducing the first and second stents to clamp said tissue between said stents and securely hold it in place.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
145 words
A method of assembling a heart valve, comprising: providing a first stent and a second stent; configuring one of said first and second stents with a plurality of tissue alignment members; extending the tissue alignment members from a surface of said one stent; configuring all the tissue alignment members configured on said one stent to have a body portion and a corresponding securing portion; permanently affixing the securing portion of all of said tissue alignment members configured on said one stent to the corresponding body portion; extending the securing portions of said tissue alignment members radially outward from the corresponding body portions; configuring at least one piece of tissue with a plurality of holes; registering said holes with corresponding ones of said tissue alignment members; and inducing the first and second stents to clamp said tissue between said stents and securely hold it in place.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
100 words
A method of assembling a heart valve, comprising: providing a first stent and a second stent; configuring one of said first and second stents with a plurality of tissue alignment members; extending the tissue alignment members from a surface of said one stent; configuring at least one piece of tissue with a plurality of holes; registering said holes with corresponding ones of said tissue alignment members; inducing the first and second stents to securely hold said tissue between said stents by clamping while avoiding creating a significant number of mechanical fixation points where stress can concentrate in the assembled valve.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
100 words
A method of assembling a heart valve, comprising: providing a first stent and a second stent; configuring one of said first and second stents with a plurality of tissue alignment members; extending the tissue alignment members from a surface of said one stent; configuring at least one piece of tissue with a plurality of holes; registering said holes with corresponding ones of said tissue alignment members; inducing the first and second stents to securely hold said tissue between said stents by clamping while avoiding creating a significant number of mechanical fixation points where stress can concentrate in the assembled valve.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
109 words
A method of assembling a heart valve, comprising: providing a first stent and a second stent; configuring one of said first and second stents with a plurality of tissue alignment members; extending the tissue alignment members from a surface of said one stent; configuring at least one piece of tissue with a plurality of holes; registering said holes with corresponding ones of said tissue alignment members; and inducing the first and second stents to securely hold all portions of said tissue in place between said stents by clamping without significant reliance on said tissue alignment members to securely hold any portion of said tissue in place between said stents.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
109 words
A method of assembling a heart valve, comprising: providing a first stent and a second stent; configuring one of said first and second stents with a plurality of tissue alignment members; extending the tissue alignment members from a surface of said one stent; configuring at least one piece of tissue with a plurality of holes; registering said holes with corresponding ones of said tissue alignment members; and inducing the first and second stents to securely hold all portions of said tissue in place between said stents by clamping without significant reliance on said tissue alignment members to securely hold any portion of said tissue in place between said stents.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
139 words
A method of assembling a heart valve comprising: providing a first stent and a second stent; configuring one of said first and second stents with a base and a plurality of posts extending thereform and spaced around the base; configuring said one stent with a plurality of tissue alignment members; extending all of the tissue alignment members configured on said one stent from a surface of said posts of said one stent; configuring at least one piece of tissue with a plurality of holes, the tissue having a thickness; registering said holes with corresponding ones of said tissue alignment members; and inducing the first and second stents to clamp said tissue between said stents and generating a clamping force sufficient to securely hold it in place while adjusting the clamping force for variations in the thickness of the tissue.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
139 words
A method of assembling a heart valve comprising: providing a first stent and a second stent; configuring one of said first and second stents with a base and a plurality of posts extending thereform and spaced around the base; configuring said one stent with a plurality of tissue alignment members; extending all of the tissue alignment members configured on said one stent from a surface of said posts of said one stent; configuring at least one piece of tissue with a plurality of holes, the tissue having a thickness; registering said holes with corresponding ones of said tissue alignment members; and inducing the first and second stents to clamp said tissue between said stents and generating a clamping force sufficient to securely hold it in place while adjusting the clamping force for variations in the thickness of the tissue.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
148 words
A method of assembling a heart valve, comprising: providing a first stent and a second stent; configuring one of said first and second stents with a plurality of tissue alignment members; extending the tissue alignment members along a first path from a surface of said one stent; configuring at least one of said tissue alignment members to have a body portion nd a corresponding head portion integral with and affixed to the body portion; extending the head portion of said at least one member at least partly outward along a second path different from said first path from a surface of said corresponding body portion; configuring at least one piece of tissue with a plurality of holes; registering said holes with corresponding ones of said tissue alignment members; and inducing the first and second stents to clamp said tissue between said stents and securely hold it in place.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
148 words
A method of assembling a heart valve, comprising: providing a first stent and a second stent; configuring one of said first and second stents with a plurality of tissue alignment members; extending the tissue alignment members along a first path from a surface of said one stent; configuring at least one of said tissue alignment members to have a body portion nd a corresponding head portion integral with and affixed to the body portion; extending the head portion of said at least one member at least partly outward along a second path different from said first path from a surface of said corresponding body portion; configuring at least one piece of tissue with a plurality of holes; registering said holes with corresponding ones of said tissue alignment members; and inducing the first and second stents to clamp said tissue between said stents and securely hold it in place.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 22 further comprising configuring said head portion of said at least one tissue alignment member to be hook-shaped.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
156 words
A method of assembling a heart valve, comprising; providing a first stent and a second stent; configuring one of said first and second stents with a plurality of tissue alignment members; extending the tissue alignment members along a first path from a surface of said one stent; configuring at least one of said tissue alignment members to have a body portion and a corresponding head portion; extending the head portion of said at least one member at least partly outward along a second path different from said first path from a surface of said corresponding body portion including configuring said head portion of said at least one tissue alignment member to be mushroom-shaped; configuring at least one piece of tissue with a plurality of holes; registering said holes with corresponding ones of said tissue alignment members; and inducing the first and second stents to clamp said tissue between said stents and securely hold it in place.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
156 words
A method of assembling a heart valve, comprising; providing a first stent and a second stent; configuring one of said first and second stents with a plurality of tissue alignment members; extending the tissue alignment members along a first path from a surface of said one stent; configuring at least one of said tissue alignment members to have a body portion and a corresponding head portion; extending the head portion of said at least one member at least partly outward along a second path different from said first path from a surface of said corresponding body portion including configuring said head portion of said at least one tissue alignment member to be mushroom-shaped; configuring at least one piece of tissue with a plurality of holes; registering said holes with corresponding ones of said tissue alignment members; and inducing the first and second stents to clamp said tissue between said stents and securely hold it in place.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
167 words
A method of assembling a heart valve, comprising: providing a first stent and a second stent; configuring one of said first and second stents with a plurality of tissue alignment members; extending the tissue alignment members from a surface of one of said first and second stents; configuring at least one piece of tissue with a plurality of holes; registering said holes with corresponding ones of said tissue alignment members; configuring each of said first and second stents with a base and a plurality of spaced posts extending therefrom along an axis of the valve; adapting the posts of one of said stents to be capable of extending at least partly into corresponding indentations in the posts of the other stent; and situating said tissue between said stents, thereby preventing said posts of said one stent from fully extending at least partly into said corresponding indentations in the posts of the other stent and clamping at least a portion of said tissue by and between said posts.
Claim 43
Independent Claim
167 words
A method of assembling a heart valve, comprising: providing a first stent and a second stent; configuring one of said first and second stents with a plurality of tissue alignment members; extending the tissue alignment members from a surface of one of said first and second stents; configuring at least one piece of tissue with a plurality of holes; registering said holes with corresponding ones of said tissue alignment members; configuring each of said first and second stents with a base and a plurality of spaced posts extending therefrom along an axis of the valve; adapting the posts of one of said stents to be capable of extending at least partly into corresponding indentations in the posts of the other stent; and situating said tissue between said stents, thereby preventing said posts of said one stent from fully extending at least partly into said corresponding indentations in the posts of the other stent and clamping at least a portion of said tissue by and between said posts.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 25 further comprising forming said indentations with cloth-covered windows in the posts of said other stent.
Claim 45
Independent Claim
183 words
A method of assembling a heart valve, comprising: providing a first stent and a second stent; configuring one of said first and second stents with a plurality of tissue alignment members; extending said tissue alignment members from a surface of one of said first and second stents; configuring at least one piece of tissue with a plurality of holes; registering said holes with corresponding ones of said tissue alignment members; configuring each of said first and second stents with a base and a plurality of spaced posts extending therefrom along an axis of the valve; inducing the first and second stents to clamp said tissue between said stents and securely hold it in place; adapting the posts of one of said stents to normally extend at least partly towards corresponding posts of the other stent independently of said inducing step; and situating said tissue between said stents, thereby preventing said posts of said one stent from fully extending at least partly towards said corresponding posts of the other stent and clamping at least a portion of said tissue by and between said posts.
Claim 46
Independent Claim
183 words
A method of assembling a heart valve, comprising: providing a first stent and a second stent; configuring one of said first and second stents with a plurality of tissue alignment members; extending said tissue alignment members from a surface of one of said first and second stents; configuring at least one piece of tissue with a plurality of holes; registering said holes with corresponding ones of said tissue alignment members; configuring each of said first and second stents with a base and a plurality of spaced posts extending therefrom along an axis of the valve; inducing the first and second stents to clamp said tissue between said stents and securely hold it in place; adapting the posts of one of said stents to normally extend at least partly towards corresponding posts of the other stent independently of said inducing step; and situating said tissue between said stents, thereby preventing said posts of said one stent from fully extending at least partly towards said corresponding posts of the other stent and clamping at least a portion of said tissue by and between said posts.
Claim 47
Independent Claim
91 words
A method of assembling a heart valve, comprising: providing a first stent and a second stent; configuring one of said first and second stents with a plurality of tissue alignment members; extending the tissue alignment members from a surface of one of said first and second stents; configuring at least one piece of autogenous tissue with a plurality of holes; registering said holes with corresponding ones of said tissue alignment members; and inducing the first and second stents to clamp said tissue between said stents and securely hold it in place.
Claim 48
Independent Claim
91 words
A method of assembling a heart valve, comprising: providing a first stent and a second stent; configuring one of said first and second stents with a plurality of tissue alignment members; extending the tissue alignment members from a surface of one of said first and second stents; configuring at least one piece of autogenous tissue with a plurality of holes; registering said holes with corresponding ones of said tissue alignment members; and inducing the first and second stents to clamp said tissue between said stents and securely hold it in place.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 28 further comprising freshly harvesting said at least one piece of autogenous tissue.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 28 further comprising chemically treating said at least one piece of autogenous tissue.
Claim 51
Independent Claim
121 words
A method of assembling a heart valve for use in a valve replacement operation, comprising: providing a first stent and a second stent; configuring one of said first and second stents with a plurality of tissue alignment members; extending the tissue alignment members from a surface of one of said first and second stents; integrating a sewing ring with one of said first and second stents prior to when the same is needed in the valve replacement operation; configuring at least one piece of tissue with a plurality of holes; registering said holes with corresponding ones of said tissue alignment members; and inducing the first and second stents to clamp said tissue between said stents and securely hold it in place.
Claim 52
Independent Claim
121 words
A method of assembling a heart valve for use in a valve replacement operation, comprising: providing a first stent and a second stent; configuring one of said first and second stents with a plurality of tissue alignment members; extending the tissue alignment members from a surface of one of said first and second stents; integrating a sewing ring with one of said first and second stents prior to when the same is needed in the valve replacement operation; configuring at least one piece of tissue with a plurality of holes; registering said holes with corresponding ones of said tissue alignment members; and inducing the first and second stents to clamp said tissue between said stents and securely hold it in place.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 31 further comprising integrating a tensioning means with one of said first and second stents prior to when the same is needed in said valve replacement operation.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1995-11-17 | 1996-05-18 | 1996-11-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-11-17 | 2000-05-18 | 2000-11-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-11-17 | 2004-05-18 | 2004-11-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |